Thursday, May 30, 2024

Diff Strengthening

I'm using a Torsen LSD-type diff out of a second-generation (NB) Miata. These are pretty stout little rear ends, but they have a known (i.e., "it's a feature, not a bug") weakness, whereby the big mounting arms (or "ears," as they're also known) break under big torque-transfer situations. This problem is exacerbated by removing the rubber bushings at the end of the arms and welding in solid plugs (like've I've done for some long-forgotten reason....). 

Anyway, the solution to this "feature" is to weld in strengthening plates on the arms. Here are a couple of the alumnimun plates being test-fitted prior to welding-in. 


We're going to plate in the front side, too. In this image (and the one above) you can clearly see the OEM "notches" in the top of the arms that encourage breakage at that particular spot under heavy load applications. Supposedly breaking here saves other, more expensive equipment in the drive train by serving as a sacrificial joint. 



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